Hwa, K. D. (2009). The color of earth. (L. Na, Trans.). New York, NY: First Second. (Original work published 2003). ISBN: 1-59643-458-9. 319 pp.
This story chronicles the experiences of young Ehwa growing up in rural Korea from childhood to age 16. This manhwa (the Korean version of manga) is the first of a biographical trilogy, and Ehwa is the author’s mother. Hwa presents all the life changing moments of his mother as she gains understanding of her own body, puberty, love, and relationships.
Critical Analysis
This book crosses genres like many graphic novels. It is a biography that provides glimpses of the author’s mother during her major life changing moments. Poetry colors the dialogue, narration, and thoughts of various characters. The novel is also an informational book in that it discusses the changes that puberty brings to males and females. These body changes are handled gracefully and with respect so that young adults gain an understanding that these changes are normal and a natural part of growing up. All this is presented using beautiful black and white illustrations, in which Hwa captures the emotions of the characters, beautiful Korean landscape, and an era two generations in the past.
The Color of Earth is more than just a biography. One forgets that it is non-fiction because it is easy to get caught up in the romances that can happen in a young girl’s life. The story also explores the body changes that happen during a young man’s voyage through puberty. However, the story may not hold much appeal for young men due to only having supporting male characters. This is unfortunate because Hwa discusses the changes that young men go through with such class.
I feel that this will be a good book to read with my daughter when she gets closer to puberty due to the strong mother-daughter relationship between Ehwa and her mother as well as the interesting characters. Ehwa can tell her mother anything, and they have many discussions about love and life. Her mother makes sure she is never lead astray by the false notions Ehwa picks up from her friends and acquaintances about sex, love, and beauty. The characters are interesting because they are true to life. Ehwa is not all good. She is a snob to her best friend, Bongsoon, and seeks her out when it is convenient for her. However, Ehwa is such a good person because she values her mother’s advice and does what her mother asks her to. Other characters, such as Dongchul a village boy, are forever trying to coax Ehwa out of her innocence yet never succeeds. It is a rich story with many treasures that young readers will value.
No comments:
Post a Comment